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A Guide to Concrete Maintenance Methods

concrete worker work boots on dry cement

Why is it important to maintain a concrete surface? Isn’t concrete supposed to be strong, sturdy, and last for years or even decades to come? Assuming that concrete is indestructible makes sense, as it is one of the strongest materials in the construction industry. But this does not mean it is without the need for maintenance. In fact, proper concrete maintenance can extend the overall lifetime of the concrete. 

The amount of concrete used in commercial construction projects is at an all-time high. For this reason, it’s smart to be aware of all the preventive maintenance that you can put toward your investment in concrete. 

Things You Can Do for Concrete Maintenance

Cleaning

Keeping the surface of the concrete clean helps it stay free of debris and dirt. It also gives it an appealing, clean appearance. This is the most basic part of maintenance and is essential to its upkeep.

Sealing

An important part of concrete maintenance is sealing. This keeps the pores of the concrete protected from weather, damage, and UV rays. It can also make a concrete surface glossy and sleek in appearance. Experts recommend sealing every 2-5 years for best results.

Crack Filling

One of the most common parts of concrete is all the cracks that result over time. Repairing and filling cracks as soon as they appear is a good practice to avoid bigger repairs further down the line.

A damaged section of broken concrete.

Joint Caulking

Sometimes the joint or expansion part of the concrete requires a special calking to give it the flexibility to expand or contract. This avoids bigger damages from things like weather and natural shifts of the earth’s surface. 

Patching

A type of material (usually hydraulic cement or an acrylic latex) is used to repair areas of loose concrete. It is smoothed and allowed to dry to cover and seal the broken concrete area.

Concrete Leveling

Sometimes known as “mudjacking”, part of sidewalk maintenance can include leveling. This is a process when uneven concrete surfaces become a hazard to pedestrians or vehicles. One part of the concrete slab becomes too high or too low. The process to relevel the concrete slabs involves coring holes into the cement then pumping a slurry– a mixture of sand, water, and cement– underneath the surface. This stabilizes it and brings the two shifting slabs back to an even level. It’s more cost-effective than replacing the slab.

Concrete Maintenence As An Ongoing Process

The best way to uphold good concrete maintenance is to make sure the installation process is done professionally and properly. There are several steps to ensure this. Make sure you hire the right paving contractor. They will be able to get the job done correctly in a shorter amount of time. If you try to do it yourself the end result might be faulty or potentially even dangerous.

Preventative concrete maintenance is a continuous process that takes planning and professional commitment. Sometimes a damaged concrete or sidewalk might require more than simple maintenance– it could need more serious repairs overall. If the concrete was not installed properly and eventually causes problems, it could require a full removal and replacement. 

If you have questions or concerns about your concrete maintenance or repair options, contact South Coast Paving today. See why we are trusted by companies such as Ralph’s, In-N-Out, and Boeing all throughout Southern California. 

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